ST:AS “cel”

[JPG and Spock]

I was fortunate to win a recent auction for a Star Trek Animated Series “sericel”, although it was referred to as simply a “cel”. From what I can see through research, this is not a production cell but instead was a limited edition from 1976 of 950 prints. It’s hand painted but I’m still confused about how they could offer 950 hand painted cells back then for this limited edition. Does anyone have my history they could share about these? Thanks!

 

[mb22]

https://daytonward.wordpress.com/20...970s-star-trek-collectors-art-animation-cels/

 

[Forbin]

Never heard a cel referred to as sericel. I always thought cel was short for cellophane!

 

[David cgc]

Never heard a cel referred to as sericel. I always thought cel was short for cellophane!

Celluloid, actually (though they stopped being made of that a long time ago because of the fire risk). "Sericel" is a specific term for animation-style cels that are mass-reproductions and weren't actually used to make a cartoon. It sounded like a portmanteu to me; I was assuming "serial cel," because they were numbered editions. I found some more detailed information on them, and it's actually short for "Serigraphic Cel," which refers to the duplication process.

 

[JPG and Spock]

Thank you all for the help. I’m still confused about what - if any - aspect of this piece is “hand painted”. The daytonward article above calls them “sericels” but the Bantam ad he references says hand painted. The auction listing from Heritage says “hand painted”. But “Sericel” seems to suggest just a photocopy of sorts, which is possible considering it’s an edition of 950 copies. That was my original confusion - how they could sell something back then for the equivalent of $100 today for something hand painted. I'd love to share a few photos but can't seem to include them with this post.

 

[Forbin]

Celluloid, actually (though they stopped being made of that a long time ago because of the fire risk). "Sericel" is a specific term for animation-style cels that are mass-reproductions and weren't actually used to make a cartoon. It sounded like a portmanteu to me; I was assuming "serial cel," because they were numbered editions. I found some more detailed information on them, and it's actually short for "Serigraphic Cel," which refers to the duplication process.

Ah, thanks, yes celluloid - it's been 40 years since that animation class I took in art school.